Bumper System Buick Century VI

Specifications

Fastener Tightening Specifications

Inspection After Collision

If a severe collision dislodges the bumper from the original position, you may need to replace the following components

1. The bumper fascia
2. The bumper energy absorber
3. The bumper impact bar

Removal Procedure

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to «JACKING AND LIFTING»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/hoistjack/#jacking-and-lifting) in General Information.
2. Remove the front fascia deflector bolts.
3. Remove the front fascia deflector from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure

1. Position the front fascia deflector to the vehicle. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the front fascia deflector bolts. Tighten Tighten the front fascia deflector bolts to 4 N.m (35 lb in).
3. Lower the vehicle.

Tools Required

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Remove the grille. Refer to «FASCIA GRILLE REPLACEMENT (REGAL)»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) or «FASCIA GRILLE REPLACEMENT (CENTURY)»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the front fender liners. Refer to FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT in Body Front End.
3. Remove the air deflectors from the front bumper fascia. Refer to RADIATOR AIR BAFFLE AND DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT - LOWER in Engine Cooling.
4. Remove the bolts from the fascia at the fender.
5. Remove the bolts from the upper fascia support. Refer to «FASCIA SUPPORT REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER UPPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
6. Use J 38778 in order to remove the push-in retainers from the following components: The upper fascia support The lower fascia The lower bumper impact bar
7. Remove the front bumper fascia.

1. Install the front bumper fascia. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the fascia at the fender. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
3. Install the push-in retainers to the upper fascia support.
4. Install the bolts to the upper fascia support. Refer to «FASCIA SUPPORT REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER UPPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) . Tighten Tighten the bolts to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
5. Install the fascia air deflectors. Refer to RADIATOR AIR BAFFLE AND DEFLECTOR REPLACEMENT - LOWER in Engine Cooling.
6. Install the push-in retainers to the lower bumper impact bar.
7. Install the push-in retainers to the lower fascia support at the front bumper fascia.
8. Install the front fender liners. Refer to FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT in Body Front End.
9. Install the grille. Refer to «FASCIA GRILLE REPLACEMENT (REGAL)»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) or «FASCIA GRILLE REPLACEMENT (CENTURY)»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the nuts from the locating studs.
3. Remove the grille from the front bumper fascia.

1. Align the grille locating studs to the holes in the front bumper fascia.
2. Press into place until fully seated. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the grille nuts to the studs. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 5 N.m (44 lb in).
4. Close the hood.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the nuts from the outboard locating studs.
3. Remove the grille from the front bumper fascia.

1. Align the grille outboard locating studs to the holes in the front bumper fascia.
2. Press into place until properly seated. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the grille nuts to the studs. Tighten Tighten the nuts to 5 N.m (44 lb in).
4. Close the hood.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the bolts from the front bumper fascia lower center support bracket at the center support.
3. Remove the bolts from the front bumper fascia upper center support bracket at the upper front bumper fascia support.
4. Remove the front bumper fascia center support bracket from the front bumper fascia.

1. Install the front bumper fascia center support bracket to the center support. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the front bumper fascia lower center support bracket at the center support. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
3. Install the bolts to the front bumper fascia upper center support bracket at the front bumper fascia upper support. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
4. Close the hood.

1. Remove the front fender liners. Refer to FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT in Body Front End.
2. Remove the bolts from the front bumper fascia side supports at the bottom of the fender.
3. Remove the bolts from the front bumper fascia side supports at the radiator support.
4. Remove the front bumper fascia side supports from the front bumper fascia.

1. Install the front bumper fascia side supports to the front bumper fascia. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the front bumper fascia side support to radiator support bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
3. Install the bolts from the front bumper fascia side support to the bottom of the fender. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
4. Install the front fender liners. Refer to FRONT FENDER LINER REPLACEMENT in Body Front End.

1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the headlamps. Refer to HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OR HEADLAMP BULB AND/OR CORNERING, SIDEMARKER, PARK, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
3. Remove the bolts from the center support bracket.
4. Remove the bolts from the front upper bumper fascia support at the radiator support.
5. Remove the front bumper fascia upper support from the front bumper fascia.

1. Install the front bumper fascia upper support to the front bumper fascia. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the front bumper fascia upper support at the radiator support. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
3. Install the front bumper fascia upper support bolts to the center support bracket. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
4. Install the headlamps. Refer to HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY OR HEADLAMP BULB AND/OR CORNERING, SIDEMARKER, PARK, TURN SIGNAL BULB REPLACEMENT in Lighting Systems.
5. Aim the headlamps. Refer to HEADLAMP AIMING in Lighting Systems.
6. Close the hood.

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Remove the push-in retainers from the front bumper impact bar using the J 38778.
2. Remove the push-in retainers from the lower front bumper fascia using the J 38778.
3. Remove the front bumper fascia lower support from the front bumper fascia.

1. Install the front bumper fascia lower support to the front bumper fascia.
2. Install the push-in retainers to the front bumper fascia lower support at the front bumper fascia.
3. Install the push-in retainers to the front bumper impact bar.

1. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the front bumper fascia from the front bumper fascia lower support. Refer to «FASCIA SUPPORT REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER LOWER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
3. Remove the front bumper energy absorber retainers. Refer to «ENERGY ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
4. Remove the wiring harness from the rear of the front bumper impact bar.
5. Remove the fog lamps. Refer to FOG LAMP REPLACEMENT - FRONT in Lighting Systems.
6. Remove the horns. Refer to HORN REPLACEMENT in Horns.
7. Remove the bolts from the front bumper impact bar at the frame rails.
8. Remove the front bumper impact bar from the frame rails.

1. Install the front bumper impact bar to the frame rails. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the front bumper impact bar at the frame rails. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Install the wiring harness to the rear of the front bumper impact bar.
4. Install the horns. Refer to HORN REPLACEMENT in Horns.
5. Install the front bumper energy absorber. Refer to «ENERGY ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - FRONT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
6. Install the front bumper fascia to the front bumper fascia lower support. Refer to «FASCIA SUPPORT REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER LOWER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
7. Install the fog lamps. Refer to FOG LAMP REPLACEMENT - FRONT in Lighting Systems.
8. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Remove the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the push-in retainers from the front bumper energy absorber using the J 38778.
3. Remove the front bumper energy absorber from the front bumper impact bar.

1. Install the front bumper energy absorber to the front bumper impact bar.
2. Install the push-in retainers to the front bumper energy absorber.
3. Install the front bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - FRONT BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Remove the rear compartment trim panel. Refer to COMPARTMENT TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - REAR in Body Rear End.
2. Remove the nut from the rear bumper fascia outer retainers.
3. Remove the bolt in the rear compartment from the rear bumper fascia outer retainers.
4. Remove the bolt from the rear bumper fascia outer retainers.
5. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield. Refer to «SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER FASCIA - LEFT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) or to «SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER FASCIA - RIGHT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
6. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the push-in retainers from the rear bumper fascia at the rear impact bar.
7. Use the J 38778 in order to remove the rear bumper fascia to the rear end panel push-in retainers.
8. Remove the rear bumper fascia from the vehicle.

1. Install the rear bumper fascia to the vehicle.
2. Install the rear bumper fascia to the rear end panel push-in retainers.
3. Install the push-in retainers to the rear bumper fascia at the rear bumper impact bar. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
4. Install the nut to the rear bumper fascia outer retainers. Tighten Tighten the nut to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
5. Install the bolt to the rear bumper fascia outer retainers. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 10 N.m (88 lb in).
6. Install the bolt in the rear compartment to the rear bumper fascia outer retainers. Tighten Tighten the bolt to 6 N.m (53 lb in).
7. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield. Refer to «SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER FASCIA - LEFT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) or to «SPLASH SHIELD REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER FASCIA - RIGHT»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
8. Install the rear compartment trim panel. Refer to COMPARTMENT TRIM PANEL REPLACEMENT - REAR in Body Rear End.

1. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body nut.
2. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body bolts.
3. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body clips.
4. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield from the vehicle.

1. Position the rear bumper fascia splash shield to the body.
2. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body clips. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
4. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

1. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body nut.
2. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body bolts.
3. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body clips.
4. Remove the rear bumper fascia splash shield.

1. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to the body.
2. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body clips. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
3. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body nut. Tighten Tighten the nut to 2 N.m (18 lb in).
4. Install the rear bumper fascia splash shield to body bolts. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 2 N.m (18 lb in).

1. Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Unbend the rear bumper fascia reinforcement tabs.
3. Remove the rear bumper fascia reinforcement from the rear bumper fascia.

1. Install the rear bumper fascia reinforcement to the rear bumper fascia.
2. Insert the tabs into the slots.
3. Bend the tabs over the rear bumper fascia. Bend the tabs flat against the bumper fascia. Do not allow the tabs to protrude over the top surface of the bumper fascia.
4. Install the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

J 38778 Door Trim Pad and Garnish Clip Remover

1. Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the push-in retainers from the rear bumper energy absorber at the rear bumper impact bar using the J 38778.
3. Remove the rear bumper energy absorber from the rear bumper impact bar.

1. Install the rear bumper energy absorber to the rear bumper impact bar.
2. Install the push-in retainers for the rear bumper energy absorber to the rear bumper impact bar.
3. Install the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

1. Remove the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
2. Remove the rear bumper energy absorber. Refer to «ENERGY ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - REAR»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
3. Remove the rear bumper impact bar at frame bolts.
4. Remove the rear bumper impact bar from the frame.

1. Install the rear bumper impact bar to the frame. NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
2. Install the bolts to the rear bumper impact bar at the frame. Tighten Tighten the bolts to 25 N.m (18 lb ft).
3. Install the rear bumper energy absorber. Refer to «ENERGY ABSORBER REPLACEMENT - REAR»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .
4. Install the rear bumper fascia. Refer to «FASCIA REPLACEMENT - REAR BUMPER»(/buick/century/vi-1997-2005/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) .

Bumper and Fascia Description

General Motors passenger vehicle bumpers are designed to withstand a collision into a fixed barrier at 5 mph (8 km/h). After absorbing the energy of the collision, the bumper energy absorbers rebound to 80-90 percent of their original position. The bumper energy absorbing capability of the front and the rear bumper systems is achieved through one of the following components in each bumper

1. A honeycomb type energy absorbing structure
2. A foam type energy absorbing structure

The front and the rear bumper fascias are made of urethane. Urethane withstands minor impact and returns to the original shape.

Scheme 1

See also:
• JACKING AND LIFTING
• FASCIA GRILLE REPLACEMENT (REGAL)